Former diversity driver Paulie Harraka to run 2012 truck series schedule
Paulie Harraka, the first driver of NASCAR’s diversity program to win a track championship, will compete for Camping World Truck Series rookie honors driving for former Billy Ballew Motorsports crew chief Richie Wauters.
Scheduled to graduate from Duke University in May, the 22-year-old Harraka won the 2008 track championship at All-American Speedway in California and also has three victories in the K&N Pro Series West.
Wauters will be the crew chief for the team, which will field Fords. No sponsor was announced for Harraka, who is of Syrian descent and spent four years in NASCAR’s diversity program.
“I’m the kind of driver that will put in whatever time, effort or work that is needed to win races, and I know that Richie is the same kind of crew chief,” Harraka said in a news release. “Together, we’ll hold nothing back, and that makes me confident that we’ll find the winner’s circle in short order.”
Wauters has 18 wins as a crew chief in the series with drivers Shane Hmiel, Kyle Busch and Aric Almirola
“It is something I thought about for a while,” Wauters said. “I had the opportunity to buy some trucks and have a great driver headlining the team.
“It hasn't been a difficult transition so far and we are really excited about the season.”
